Memory Power Supply Circuit for Load Voltage Drop Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in supplying a desired voltage value to components located far from the PMIC due to voltage drops along the supply line, leading to potential operational issues and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a control loop that monitors and adjusts output current to compensate for voltage drops, using a DC/DC converter with current detection and feedback mechanisms to stabilize the output voltage at the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a PMIC is used to generate output voltage at a fixed position, then cost and footprint are reduced, but voltage drops occur along long supply lines causing the voltage at distant components to deviate from desired values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The power supply circuit dynamically changes the output voltage value based on detected output current, allowing adaptation to different load conditions and supply line lengths while maintaining cost-effectiveness of using a PMIC
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the output current and using this information to adjust the output voltage. The control unit continuously monitors the output current and modifies the output voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for voltage drops in long supply lines
2Use of energy by moving object
If output voltage is kept low to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the allowable variation range of output voltage becomes narrow making it difficult to compensate for voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the output voltage within a controlled range based on actual load conditions. By detecting output current and adapting the voltage accordingly, the system maintains low power consumption while having the flexibility to increase voltage when needed to compensate for supply line drops
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output voltage parameter based on detected output current conditions. The control unit modifies the voltage parameter dynamically, allowing the system to operate at low voltage for energy efficiency while being able to increase voltage when long supply lines cause excessive drops
3Ease of operation
If component distance from PMIC is increased for flexible arrangement, then ease of operation and layout flexibility improve, but voltage drops increase causing the supplied voltage to fall below desired values
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts dynamically to different component distances by detecting output current and adjusting output voltage accordingly. This allows flexible component arrangement while maintaining reliable voltage supply, as the voltage is automatically increased when longer supply lines are used
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit performs self-adjustment by detecting its own output current and automatically modifying its output voltage. This self-service mechanism ensures that voltage supply reliability is maintained regardless of component distance, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Stabilizes the supply voltage at the load, minimizing voltage drops and ensuring consistent operation, even with long supply lines, while allowing flexible component arrangement and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter configured to: store first information specifying to a value of the voltage to be supplied; output an output voltage based on the value of the voltage specified by the stored first information
Implementation Method 2
detect an output current at an output node; compare a value of the detected output current with a threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system in an embodiment includes: a nonvolatile memory; a memory controller configured to control the memory; and a power supply circuit configured to supply a voltage of power of at least one of the memory and the memory controller, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to: store first information having a value of the voltage to be supplied; output an output voltage based on the value of the voltage specified by the stored first information; detect an output current at an output end of the output voltage; compare a value of the detected output current with a threshold value; and update the stored first information to second information based on a result of the comparison, the second information having an updated value of the voltage to be supplied.